U.S. patent application number 17/237180 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-28 for resource coordination for multiple parent integrated access and backhaul.
The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.. Invention is credited to Thomas Novlan.
Application Number | 20220132508 17/237180 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-04-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220132508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Novlan; Thomas |
April 28, 2022 |
RESOURCE COORDINATION FOR MULTIPLE PARENT INTEGRATED ACCESS AND
BACKHAUL
Abstract
The technology is generally directed towards multiplexing access
and backhaul traffic across multiple hops of a wireless backhaul
network with multiple parent links. The technology facilitates
efficient utilization of radio resources by enabling dynamic
adaptation of available downlink and uplink (DL/UL) resources for
access and backhaul links between an integrated access and backhaul
(IAB) node and donor/parent IAB nodes based on the different
multiplexing capabilities at a given IAB node. A child node can
multiplex DL/UL resources used for access and backhaul links in
semi-static and/or dynamic operations with over-the-air signaling.
The technology allows parent nodes to dynamically coordinate
resources, and allows flexible patterns of DL/UL resources and
multiplexing operations to be coordinated across multiple parent
backhaul links, including semi-persistent resource allocation.
Inventors: |
Novlan; Thomas; (Cedar Park,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/237180 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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63104732 |
Oct 23, 2020 |
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International
Class: |
H04W 72/04 20060101
H04W072/04; H04W 88/14 20060101 H04W088/14 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: in an integrated access and backhaul
network in which a child node has multiple parent nodes, aligning,
via respective processors of the multiple parent nodes, respective
independent distributed unit frame structure configurations of the
multiple parent nodes; and communicating the respective independent
parent node distributed unit frame structure configurations to the
child node for establishing a child node mobile termination
function configuration and a child node distributed unit function
configuration.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the multiple parent nodes
comprise a first parent node and a second parent node, wherein the
child node establishes a first child distributed unit function
configuration and a first child mobile termination function
configuration corresponding to the first parent node distributed
unit frame structure configuration, and wherein the child node
establishes a second child distributed unit function configuration
and a second child mobile termination function configuration
corresponding to the second parent node distributed unit frame
structure configuration.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the child node supports full
duplex or simultaneous operation on at least one of the backhaul
links or frequency carriers, and wherein the child node receives or
transmits on respective backhaul links to the multiple parent nodes
independent of the respective independent distributed unit frame
structure configurations of the multiple parent nodes.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the child node receives or
transmits on respective backhaul links to the multiple parent nodes
based on which parent is transmitting.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein aligning the respective frame
structure configurations is repeatedly performed.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein aligning the respective frame
structure configurations is performed on a per-slot basis.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein aligning the respective frame
structure configurations is performed for a group of slots.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein aligning the respective frame
structure configurations is performed as a dynamic frame structure
coordination that alternates with a semi-static frame structure
coordination.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the respective independent parent
nodes comprise a first patent node and a second parent node,
wherein the respective independent parent node distributed unit
frame structure configurations comprise soft resources, wherein the
first parent node determines utilization of the soft resources
based on measurements corresponding to at least one of: the second
parent node or the child node, and wherein the second parent node
determines utilization of the soft resources based on measurements
corresponding to at least one of: the first parent node or the
child node.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the respective independent
parent nodes comprise a first patent node and a second parent node,
wherein the respective independent parent node distributed unit
frame structure configurations comprise soft resources, and wherein
the first parent node and the second parent node communicate via
messaging to determine utilization of the soft resources.
11. A system, comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores
executable instructions that, when executed by the processor,
facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising:
determining, by a child node device comprising a processor, in an
integrated access and backhaul network in which the child node has
multiple parent nodes, which parent node is transmitting in a slot,
and based on which parent node is transmitting in the slot;
selecting a first coordination configuration for child node user
equipment function communications in the slot, or selecting a
second coordination configuration for child node distributed unit
function communications in the slot.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the determining which parent
node is transmitting in the slot comprises obtaining respective
parent node distributed unit coordination configurations for the
multiple parent nodes.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the multiple parent nodes
comprise a first parent node and a second parent node, wherein the
obtaining the respective parent node distributed unit coordination
configurations for the multiple parent nodes comprises obtaining a
first parent node distributed unit frame structure configuration
corresponding to the first parent node, and obtaining a second
parent node distributed unit frame structure configuration
corresponding to the second parent node, and wherein the operations
further comprise establishing the first coordination configuration
and the second coordination configuration based on the first parent
node distributed unit frame structure configuration and the second
parent node distributed unit frame structure configuration.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the child node supports half
duplex operation, and further comprising aligning and coordinating
uplink and downlink communications from the multiple parent nodes
with the child node.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the child node supports full
duplex or simultaneous operation on one or more backhaul links or
frequency carriers, and wherein the child node is able to receive
or transmit on respective backhaul links to multiple parent nodes
independent of respective configurations of the multiple parent
nodes.
16. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, comprising
executable instructions that, when executed by a processor,
facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising:
coordinating resource usage, by an integrated access and backhaul
node device that acts as a first parent node to a child node, with
a second parent node to the child node, the resource usage
corresponding to a first coordinated configuration of the first
parent node and a second coordinated configuration of the second
parent node; and providing information representing the first
coordinated configuration and the second coordinated configuration
to the child node for use in scheduling child node communications
with the first parent node and the second parent node.
17. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 16,
wherein, following coordinating the resource usage and providing
the information representing the first coordinated configuration
and the second coordinated configuration to the child node, another
cycle of the coordinating and the providing begins.
18. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 16,
wherein coordinating the resource usage and providing the
information representing the first coordinated configuration and
the second coordinated configuration to the child node are
performed on a per-slot basis.
19. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 16,
wherein coordinating the resource usage and providing the
information representing the first coordinated configuration and
the second coordinated configuration to the child node are
performed for a plurality of slots.
20. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 16,
wherein coordinating the resource usage and providing the
information representing the first coordinated configuration and
the second coordinated configuration to the child node are
performed and used alternately with semi-static frame structure
coordination.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a non-provisional of pending U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 63/104,732, filed on Oct. 23,
2020 entitled "RESOURCE COORDINATION FOR MULTIPLE PARENT INTEGRATED
ACCESS AND BACKHAUL." The entirety of the aforementioned
application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The subject application is related to wireless communication
systems, and, for example, to coordination of resources for
integrated access and backhaul with multiple parent nodes, and
related embodiments.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Due to the larger bandwidth available for New Radio (NR,
e.g., in the mmWave spectrum) compared to LTE along with the native
deployment of massive MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) or
multi-beam systems in NR, integrated access and backhaul (IAB)
links can be developed and deployed. This may, for example, allow
easier deployment of a dense network of self-backhauled NR cells in
a more integrated manner by building upon many of the control and
data channels/procedures defined for providing access to user
equipment (UE). In general, IAB nodes (e.g., nodes B and C)
multiplex access (mobile terminal/e.g., user equipment) and
backhaul (distributed unit/e.g., access point) links in time,
frequency, and/or space (e.g., beam-based operation), to relay user
traffic to a donor or parent IAB node (e.g., a node A), and
vice-versa.
[0004] At mmWave frequencies, blockage events may result in sudden
sharp drops in signal strength (of the order of 30 dB) due to
physical objects blocking the link Depending on environmental
factors and user mobility, frequent beam failure events due to
blockage can occur, potentially resulting in frequent beam
switches. As a result, multi-connectivity is a desirable feature
for IAB to support robustness and fast route selection in case of
blockage events.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject
disclosure are described with reference to the following figures,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
various views unless otherwise specified.
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system
in which integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes are
hierarchically arranged, including with a child IAB node having
multiple parent IAB nodes, in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates integrated access and backhaul (IAB)
nodes configured to communicate via mobile termination functions
and distributed unit functions, including for a child IAB node
having multiple parent IAB nodes, in accordance with various
aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an example representation of a multi-parent
integrated access and backhaul configuration, illustrating primary
and secondary backhaul links, in accordance with various aspects
and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0009] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an example IAB frame structure, in
accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 6 is an example representation of multi-parent
semi-static frame structure coordination, in accordance with
various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 7 is an example representation of joint multi-parent
dynamic frame structure coordination, in accordance with various
aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 8 is an example representation of independent dynamic
multi-parent frame structure coordination, in accordance with
various aspects described herein.
[0013] FIG. 9 is an example representation of independent dynamic
multi-parent frame structure and duplexing coordination, in
accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing example operations related
to aligning independent distributed unit frame structure
configurations of multiple parent nodes, and communicating the
configurations to a child node, in accordance with various aspects
and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing example operations related
to a child node selecting a coordination configuration based on
which parent node is transmitting in a slot, in accordance with
various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing example operations related
to coordinating resource usage among a first parent node, a second
parent node and a child node (of the first and second parent
nodes), in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the
subject disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates an example block diagram of an example
user equipment that can be a mobile handset in accordance with
various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates an example block diagram of a computer
that can be operable to execute processes and methods in accordance
with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Various aspects of the technology described herein are
directed towards performing dynamic over-the-air resource
coordination for IAB networks that support multi-parent operation.
Aspects describe how an IAB node with multiple serving parent nodes
can multiplex DL/UL resources used for access and backhaul links,
in semi-static and dynamic manners, with over-the-air
signaling.
[0020] As will be understood, resource allocation for the IAB nodes
needs to consider multi-parent operation in order to avoid
conflicting configurations and to minimize interference/latency.
More particularly, the technology described herein is directed to
performing dynamic resource coordination to support layer 2-based
relaying for integrated access and backhaul (IAB), including in 5G
NR networks and beyond, and how an IAB node with multiple serving
parent nodes can multiplex downlink/uplink resources used for
access and backhaul links in semi-static and dynamic manners with
over-the-air signaling.
[0021] It should be understood that any of the examples and terms
used herein are non-limiting. For instance, the examples are based
on New Radio (NR, sometimes referred to as 5G) communications
between a user equipment exemplified as a smartphone or the like
and network device; however virtually any communications devices
may benefit from the technology described herein. Thus, any of the
embodiments, aspects, concepts, structures, functionalities or
examples described herein are non-limiting, and the technology may
be used in various ways that provide benefits and advantages in
radio communications in general.
[0022] In some embodiments the non-limiting term "radio network
node" or simply "network node," "radio network device or simply
"network device" is used herein. These terms may be used
interchangeably, and refer to any type of network node that serves
user equipment and/or connected to other network node or network
element or any radio node from where user equipment receives
signal. Examples of radio network nodes are Node B, base station
(BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) node such as MSR BS, gNodeB, eNode
B, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station
controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base
transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmission points,
transmission nodes, RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system
(DAS) etc.
[0023] In some embodiments the non-limiting term user equipment
(UE) is used. It refers to any type of wireless device that
communicates with a radio network node in a cellular or mobile
communication system. Examples of user equipment are target device,
device to device (D2D) user equipment, machine type user equipment
or user equipment capable of machine to machine (M2M)
communication, PDA, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop
embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB
dongles etc.
[0024] Some embodiments are described in particular for 5G new
radio systems. The embodiments are however applicable to any radio
access technology (RAT) or multi-RAT system where the user
equipment operates using multiple carriers e.g. LTE FDD/TDD,
WCMDA/HSPA, GSM/GERAN, Wi Fi, WLAN, WiMax, CDMA2000 etc.
[0025] The embodiments are applicable to single carrier as well as
to multicarrier (MC) or carrier aggregation (CA) operation of the
user equipment. The term carrier aggregation (CA) is also called
(e.g. interchangeably called) "multi-carrier system", "multi-cell
operation", "multi-carrier operation", "multi-carrier" transmission
and/or reception. Note that the solutions outlined applies for
Multi RAB (radio bearers) on some carriers (that is data plus
speech is simultaneously scheduled).
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system
100 comprising a multiple hop (multi-hop) integrated access and
backhaul network in accordance with various aspects and embodiments
of the subject technology. As shown in FIG. 1, the design of a
multi-hop IAB network in 3GPP is based on a hierarchical concept
that allows use of existing access downlink (DL) and uplink (UL)
procedures and channels to create a multi-hop network. This is
arranged by having a donor node 102 (at hop order 0), comprising a
distributed unit, be a hierarchical parent to IAB relay nodes 104
and 106 (at hop order 1), which are parents of a child relay node
108 (at hop order 2) and so on. The donor node 102 is coupled via
an F1 interface to a centralized unit (CU) 110 and the core
112.
[0027] To act as an IAB link, each relay node is configured with a
mobile UE function (alternatively referred to as an MT (mobile
termination) function) and a gNB (gNodeB) or distributed unit (DU)
function (IAB-DU) at each relay. The MT function is used for
communicating with the parent node(s), whereas the IAB-DU function
is used for communicating with the child nodes and/or a UE 114 (or
116). The IAB-MT function and the IAB-DU function internally
coordinate/communicate using a control plane interface (IAB-C).
Note that FIG. 1 is only one example hierarchical IAB
configuration, and, for example there can be a greater number or
lesser number of hop orders.
[0028] In various embodiments, the system 100 can be configured to
provide and employ 5G wireless networking features and
functionalities. With 5G networks that may use waveforms that split
the bandwidth into several sub bands, different types of services
can be accommodated in different sub bands with the most suitable
waveform and numerology, leading to improved spectrum utilization
for 5G networks. Notwithstanding, in the mmWave spectrum, the
millimeter waves have shorter wavelengths relative to other
communications waves, whereby mmWave signals can experience severe
path loss, penetration loss, and fading. However, the shorter
wavelength at mmWave frequencies also allows more antennas to be
packed in the same physical dimension, which allows for large-scale
spatial multiplexing and highly directional beamforming.
[0029] Performance can be improved if both the transmitter and the
receiver are equipped with multiple antennas. Multi-antenna
techniques can significantly increase the data rates and
reliability of a wireless communication system. The use of multiple
input multiple output (MIMO) techniques, which was introduced in
the third-generation partnership project (3GPP) and has been in use
(including with LTE), is a multi-antenna technique that can improve
the spectral efficiency of transmissions, thereby significantly
boosting the overall data carrying capacity of wireless systems.
The use of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques can
improve mmWave communications; MIMO can be used for achieving
diversity gain, spatial multiplexing gain and beamforming gain.
[0030] Note that using multi-antennas does not always mean that
MIMO is being used. For example, a configuration can have two
downlink antennas, and these two antennas can be used in various
ways. In addition to using the antennas in a 2.times.2 MIMO scheme,
the two antennas can also be used in a diversity configuration
rather than MIMO configuration. Even with multiple antennas, a
particular scheme might only use one of the antennas (e.g., LTE
specification's transmission mode 1, which uses a single
transmission antenna and a single receive antenna). Or, only one
antenna can be used, with various different multiplexing, precoding
methods etc.
[0031] The MIMO technique uses a commonly known notation
(M.times.N) to represent MIMO configuration in terms number of
transmit (M) and receive antennas (N) on one end of the
transmission system. The common MIMO configurations used for
various technologies are: (2.times.1), (1.times.2), (2.times.2),
(4.times.2), (8.times.2) and (2.times.4), (4.times.4), (8.times.4).
The configurations represented by (2.times.1) and (1.times.2) are
special cases of MIMO known as transmit diversity (or spatial
diversity) and receive diversity. In addition to transmit diversity
(or spatial diversity) and receive diversity, other techniques such
as spatial multiplexing (comprising both open-loop and
closed-loop), beamforming, and codebook-based precoding can also be
used to address issues such as efficiency, interference, and
range.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows additional details of the communications
between such IAB nodes, in which the donor node is shown as a gNB
distributed unit 202. As can be seen, downlink (DL) and uplink (UL)
transmissions are communicated between the distributed units and
the mobile termination function components. Thus, for example, the
gNB distributed unit 202 is coupled to the mobile termination
function/component 220 of IAB node 1 204 and to the mobile
termination function/component 222 of IAB node 2 206. The
distributed unit component (function) 221 of IAB node 1 204 is
coupled for uplink and downlink communications to the mobile
termination function/component 224 of IAB node 3 206, as is the
distributed unit component 223 of the IAB node 206. The distributed
unit component (function) 225 of IAB node 3 208 is coupled for
uplink and downlink communications to the user equipment (UE, block
214).
[0033] Note that multi-connectivity can apply for both access UEs
and IAB nodes, however for IAB nodes, because the IAB-MT has
different functionality compared to access UEs, this is primarily
referred to as multiple parent (multi-parent) operation to
emphasize that the backhaul links are operating within the overall
IAB topology, that is, FIG. 2 shows multi-parent integrated access
and backhaul operation.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, a child IAB node may have a primary
backhaul link to a parent (solid arrow), as well as one or more
secondary backhaul links to different parent nodes (dashed arrows).
The non-shaded portion of the relay nodes in hop orders 1-3
represent the MT function, while the shaded portion represents the
DU function. The parents may be of the same hop order (e.g. one hop
order value below the child node's hop order value) or may be from
different hop orders. For example if the IAB network utilizes a
Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) topology, the only restriction on the
parent nodes is that they cannot have the same hop order value or a
higher hop order value as the child node (to avoid mesh
connectivity or loops in the routes between the end points).
Furthermore the parent nodes may be connected to or associated with
the same donor (wired) node central unit (CU) via wired or wireless
backhaul connectivity. In this case, coordination between parent
nodes involves communication over an intra-donor interface.
Alternatively, the parent nodes may be connected to or associated
with different donor (wired) node central unit (CU) via wired or
wireless backhaul connectivity. In this case, coordination between
parent nodes involves communication over an inter-donor interface
(e.g. the Xn interface).
[0035] There can be different time/frequency partitions between the
access and backhaul links Further, when considering extending the
frame structure design to support multi-hop topologies as depicted
in the example IAB frame structure of FIGS. 4 and 5, when the donor
gNB 402 (hop 0) sends downlink (DL) transmissions to the relay node
404 of hop order 1, the relay node 404 is receiving, hence it can
schedule its access UEs (whose gNB/DU it is) in the uplink (UL),
e.g., UE 414. Alternatively, a second order relay node 408 can
transmit to a first order relay node 404 when the first order relay
node 404 is receiving from the donor node 402 (hop order 0). The
frame structure can be semi-statically coordinated across the IAB
nodes via centralized or distributed coordination mechanisms.
[0036] In centralized coordination, one node determines the DL/UL
frame structure for the relay nodes in the hops orders. For example
the DL/UL frame structure can be semi-statically configured based
on the hop order using RRC (radio resource control) signaling from
the parent/donor IAB node to IAB node UE function, which internally
coordinates using a control plane interface (IAB-C) to inform the
IAB DU function of the desired frame structure pattern. In another
alternative, the DL/UL frame structure may be provided to the DU
function via F1/OAM (operation and management) messages over higher
layer control plane signaling, which can be routed over one or more
backhaul hops from a central unit (CU) or RAN (radio access
network) controller. In yet another alternative, the frame
structure is provided by an anchor carrier (e.g. LTE or sub 6 GHz
NR carrier) in case of non-standalone (NSA) operation for IAB
nodes.
[0037] In distributed coordination, each node only determines the
DL/UL frame structure for the relay nodes that are connecting to
that node. With the relay nodes of each hop order determining the
DL/UL frame structure for relays connecting to it, the DL/UL frame
structure is determined for the whole topology. The coordination
message signaling can be based on higher layer signaling, including
system information broadcast, RRC from the parent node, or signaled
via another carrier (e.g. via LTE or NR anchor carrier).
[0038] However, for both centralized and distributed coordination,
depending on traffic load variations or radio measurements
including RSRP (reference signal received power) or CLI (cross link
interference) measurements, the available DL/UL resources shared
between access and backhaul links at a given IAB node may be
dynamically optimized/made more optimal, as described herein.
[0039] Extending the resource coordination to multiple parents
involves aligning the frame structure configuration of the parent
DUs as well as the child IAB node MT and DU functions by providing
separate parent DU, child DU and child MT configurations as shown
in FIG. 6, which shows multi-parent, semi-static frame structure
coordination.
[0040] For example in FIG. 6, the DL and UL alternates between the
child IAB DU and MT functions to ensure the half-duplex constraint
is maintained at the IAB node, and only a single parent is
allocated resources at a given time (e.g. TDM resource allocation)
through the use of not available ("NA") configurations 660 and 662
in alternating time slots. In this example, slots t and t+1 are NA
for parent 2's (node 606, configuration 662) DU, and slots t+2 and
t+3 are NA for parent 1's (node 604, configuration 660) DU. Because
the allocation is semi-static, the child DU configuration (node
608, configuration 664) follows the intersection of the parent DU
configurations 660 and 662. In this example the child DU is not
able to utilize resources in the first two slots of the
configuration even if the IAB parent 1 DU does not have any DL or
UL traffic to schedule (e.g. backhaul traffic) for the IAB node's
MT function and those slots are configured as NA. However, for
slots t+2 and t+3, the IAB child DU is configured with soft
resources (the lightly crossed UL and DL in the child DU
configuration slots t+2 and t+3 in FIG. 6), which indicate that the
child DU (of node 608) may choose to determine whether to schedule
DL or UL traffic (access or backhaul) even when the parent DU 2 is
transmitting/receiving. However, because the frame structure is
semi-statically coordinated, the parent IAB DUs cannot adapt their
frame structure configurations 660 and 662 on a slot-by-slot basis,
because each IAB parent node is not aware of the potential
scheduling of the other IAB parent node.
[0041] In another example, instead of semi-static coordination, the
parents may utilize dynamic frame structure coordination (DFSC,
e.g., via messages) to determine the scheduling of transmissions
for/receptions from the child IAB node. As shown in FIG. 7,
(showing joint multi-parent dynamic frame structure coordination),
the parent DUs (of nodes 704 and 706) are not required to have NA
resources configured when the other parent DU is configured to
transmit or receive. Instead, compared to FIG. 6, in slots t+2 and
t+3, Parent 1's (node 704) DU may utilize the DL or UL slots
because they are configured as soft resources instead of NA
resources. Similarly, in slots t and t+1, Parent 2's DU (node 706)
may utilize the DL or UL slots because they are configured as soft
resources instead of NA resources.
[0042] The parent DUs of nodes 704 and 706 may determine
whether/how to utilize the soft resources implicitly based on
measurements (e.g. CLI or RRM) between the other parent IAB node or
child IAB node 708. In another alternative, the parent IAB nodes
704 and 706 may exchange over-the-air messages (e.g. via downlink
control information (DCI) or MAC CE (Medium Access Control control
element) messaging), which indicate the availability of the soft
resources; or the child node 708 may indicate to one or multiple
parents the availability of soft resources in an uplink control
message (e.g. UCI or MAC CE). The message may indicate to which
parent the control information corresponds, as well as the
time/frequency domain resources, duplex direction, or multiplexing
capability of the backhaul link(s) involved in the dynamic
coordination.
[0043] In the example of FIG. 7, the MT of the child IAB node 708
is configured with a single frame structure configuration 766 which
corresponds to the frame structure configurations 760 and 762 of
both parent nodes 704 and 706, respectively. This means that both
parent nodes 704 and 706 need to align their configurations 760 and
762 to avoid conflicts at the MT (e.g. to avoid DL configured by
parent 1 704 versus UL configured by parent 2 706 in the same
slot). In addition, the child node's DU configuration 764 is based
on the joint configuration of the parents. Because the child DU
cannot transmit/receive when the Parent 1's DU is active in the
slot, the entire resource configuration 764 for the child DU is
configured as NA because the child DU cannot determine whether
Parent 1 will also be active in the second half of the
configuration (slots t+2 and t+3). Alternatively, the child DU may
override the second half of the configuration if it can determine
that parent 1 is not active or if operation in the second half of
the configuration would not impact the reception/transmission on
the backhaul link with parent 1 (e.g. due to frequency separation
with different resource blocks, carriers, or frequency bands, or
spatial separation with different beams or antenna panels).
[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, the multi-parent dynamic frame structure
coordination can improve the resource efficiency on the backhaul
links between the parent nodes 704 and 706 and the child MT
function, however such a structure can still impose restrictions on
the child DU function, particularly if certain backhaul links cause
problematic interference or violate the duplexing/multiplexing
constraint between the child DU and the parent DU(s).
[0045] One solution is for the network to alternate between
semi-static and dynamic frame structure coordination via the F1-AP
protocol/RRC or system broadcast information (SIB). In this case,
the network can enable certain periods of time or certain frequency
resources/carriers to be managed by the semi-static configuration,
which guarantees a percentage of resource for either the parent or
child links, particularly if strict TDM multiplexing between the
access and backhaul links is needed.
[0046] Another solution is for the network to provide independent
configurations for the child IAB MT (configurations 866(1) and
866(2)) and IAB DU functions (configurations 864(1) and 864(2)),
which correspond to different parent DU configurations 860 and 862
as shown in FIG. 8, which shows independent dynamic multi-parent
frame structure coordination. One advantage of this approach is
that it allows the parent DU configurations 860 and 862 to be more
flexible and not necessarily aligned as in the case of joint
configurations. The child IAB MT monitors both configurations
866(1) and 866(2), (e.g. for DL control information reception or UL
control transmission opportunities) and applies the appropriate
configuration based on the scheduling from either of the parent
DUs. In a similar manner, the child DU may apply either DU
configuration 864(1) or 864(2) depending on which parent is active
in a given slot. The independent dynamic multi-parent frame
structure coordination provides an advantage compared to the joint
configuration, in that the parent nodes 804 and 806 can run on soft
resources with dynamic utilization of the backhaul link resources,
and the child DU (of node 808) can determine an appropriate
configuration 864(1) or 864(2) based on which parent links are
active. However, in practice there is processing delay between when
the child IAB MT receives the scheduling indication(s) from the
parent nodes 804 and 806 and when the child IAB DU is able to
prepare its own resources. As a result, some overhead is introduced
because the dynamic indications of resource availability need to
provide one or more slots at the beginning of the allocation, which
are used to account for the processing delay and cannot assume to
be available by the child
[0047] DU.
[0048] In yet another alternative, even more flexibility and
resource efficiency can be achieved by combining the dynamic frame
structure coordination between the parents and the child node with
the duplexing capabilities of the different links This depends on
the capabilities of the nodes, particularly the child node, for
example if the child node only supports half duplex operation, the
parent nodes can only simultaneously transmit to the child or
simultaneously receive from the child if the DL/UL directions are
aligned and coordinated. However, if the child node can operate in
a full-duplex manner instead of half-duplex on at least one of the
backhaul links, then the child node can receive or transmit on the
respective backhaul links to its parent nodes independently of
their respective configurations as shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, the
child has an MT configuration 1 and DU configuration 1
corresponding to parent 1, and an MT configuration 2 and DU
configuration 2 corresponding to parent 2.
[0049] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, which shows independent
dynamic multi-parent frame structure and duplexing coordination,
the child MT (of node 908) has a DL slot configured (configuration
966(1)) in slot t for the link with parent DU 1, and an UL slot
configured (configuration 966(2)) in slot t for the link with
parent DU 2. Unlike FIG. 8 however, the child DUs are configured
(configurations 964(1) and 964(2)) with DL and UL resources for
both parent link configurations 960 and 962 because the IAB node is
able to operate with or without the half duplex constraint. For
example, if only parent 1's DU link is active, the child node 908
may follow the child DU configuration 1 964(1) which results in
spatial division multiplexing (SDM) of the access and backhaul
links based on child MT configuration 1 966(1). If only parent 2 DU
link is active, the child may follow the child DU configuration 2
964(2) which results in spatial division multiplexing (SDM) of the
access and backhaul links based on child MT configuration 2.
However if both parents transmit, the child DU can choose either DU
configuration 1 964(1) or configuration 2 964(2), instead of having
to have the configuration of NA resources as in other
embodiments.
[0050] In one alternative, the dynamic availability indication may
be provided between parent nodes and the child node on a
slot-by-slot basis, or for a duration of slots. In another
alternative, a semi-persistent indication is provided jointly or
independently from the dynamic availability indication in one or
more DCI messages/formats. In another alternative, the
semi-persistent indication can be provided via MAC CE. In another
alternative, the semi-persistent indication can be configured by
higher-layer signaling (e.g. RRC, F1, or OAM messages). The
semi-persistent indication may be given with a time-domain pattern
or window for validity (e.g. valid for the next 40 milliseconds) or
may be indicated with a given applicability criteria (e.g. in a
certain beam pair, which is selected for either Tx/Rx based on
whether CSI/CLI measurements are above/below a given threshold), or
may be activated/deactivated by control signaling (e.g. DCI or MAC
CE).
[0051] Note that while the description has primarily focused on the
usage and indication of time domain resources, this technology can
additionally be applied to frequency domain resources wherein the
parent and child links may operate over two or more overlapping or
non-overlapping frequency bands, component carriers, resource
blocks, groups of resource blocks, or bandwidth parts. In addition
the technology can additionally be applied to spatial domain
resources for different parent and child links (e.g. cell or UE
specific beamforming). Further note that while the examples set
forth herein, including those in FIGS. 6-9, are directed to two
parent nodes, it is understood that the technology applies to
coordination involving multiple parent nodes in general, including
when there are two or three parent nodes; (while three is the most
likely number of parent nodes beyond two, even more than three
parent nodes are feasible, up to any practical number of parent
nodes).
[0052] One or more aspects are represented in FIG. 10, and can
comprise example operations, such as of a method, and/or a
processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that,
when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of the
example operations, and/or a machine-readable medium, comprising
executable instructions that, when executed by a processor,
facilitate performance of the example operations. Operation 1002
represents, in an integrated access and backhaul network in which a
child node has multiple parent nodes, aligning, via respective
processors of the multiple parent nodes, respective independent
distributed unit frame structure configurations of the multiple
parent nodes. Operation 1004 represents communicating the
respective independent parent node distributed unit frame structure
configurations to the child node for establishing a child mobile
termination function configuration a and child node distributed
unit function configuration.
[0053] The multiple parent nodes can comprise a first parent node
and a second parent node, the child node can establish a first
child distributed unit function configuration and a first child
mobile termination function configuration corresponding to the
first parent node distributed unit frame structure configuration,
and the child node can establish a second child distributed unit
function configuration and a second child mobile termination
function configuration corresponding to the second parent node
distributed unit frame structure configuration.
[0054] The child node can support full duplex or simultaneous
operation, and wherein the child node can receive or transmit on
one or multiple respective backhaul links to the multiple parent
nodes independent of the respective independent distributed unit
frame structure configurations of the multiple parent nodes.
[0055] The child node can receive or transmit on one or multiple
respective backhaul links to the multiple parent nodes based on
which parent is transmitting.
[0056] Aligning the respective frame structure configurations can
be repeatedly performed.
[0057] Aligning the respective frame structure configurations can
be performed on a per slot basis.
[0058] Aligning the respective frame structure configurations can
be performed for a group of slots.
[0059] Aligning the respective frame structure configurations can
be performed as a dynamic frame structure coordination that
alternates with a semi-static frame structure coordination.
[0060] The respective independent parent nodes can comprise a first
patent node and a second parent node, the respective independent
parent node distributed unit frame structure configurations can
comprise soft resources, the first parent node can determine
utilization of the soft resources based on measurements
corresponding to at least one of the second parent node or the
child node, and the second parent node can determine utilization of
the soft resources based on measurements corresponding to at least
one of the first parent node or the child node.
[0061] The respective independent parent nodes can comprise a first
patent node and a second parent node, the respective independent
parent node distributed unit frame structure configurations can
comprise soft resources, and the first parent node and the second
parent node can communicate via messaging to determine utilization
of the soft resources.
[0062] One or more aspects are represented in FIG. 11, and can
comprise example operations, such as of a method, or a processor
and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when
executed by the processor, facilitate performance of the example
operations, or a machine-readable medium, comprising executable
instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate
performance of the example operations. Operation 1102 represents,
by a child node device comprising a processor, in an integrated
access and backhaul network in which the child node has multiple
parent nodes, determining which parent node is transmitting in a
slot. Operation 1104 represents, based on which parent node is
transmitting in the slot, selecting a first coordination
configuration for child node user equipment function communications
in the slot (operation 1106), or selecting a second coordination
configuration for child node distributed unit function
communications in the slot (operation 1108).
[0063] Determining which parent node is transmitting in the slot
can comprise obtaining respective parent node distributed unit
coordination configurations for the multiple parent nodes. The
multiple parent nodes can comprise a first parent node and a second
parent node; obtaining the respective parent node distributed unit
coordination configurations for the multiple parent nodes can
comprise obtaining a first parent node distributed unit frame
structure configuration corresponding to the first parent node, and
obtaining a second parent node distributed unit frame structure
configuration corresponding to the second parent node, and further
operations can comprise establishing the first coordination
configuration and the second coordination configuration based on
the first parent node distributed unit frame structure
configuration and the second parent node distributed unit frame
structure configuration.
[0064] Determining which parent node is transmitting in the slot
can comprise obtaining respective parent node distributed unit
coordination configurations for the multiple parent nodes.
[0065] The child node can support half duplex operation, and
aspects can comprise aligning and coordinating uplink and downlink
communications from the multiple parent nodes with the child
node.
[0066] The child node can support full duplex or other simultaneous
operation, and the child node can receive or transmit on respective
backhaul links to multiple parent nodes independent of respective
configurations of the multiple parent nodes.
[0067] One or more aspects are represented in FIG. 12, and can
comprise example operations, such as of a method, or a processor
and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when
executed by the processor, facilitate performance of the example
operations, or a machine-readable medium, comprising executable
instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate
performance of the example operations. Operation 1202 represents
coordinating resource usage, by an integrated access and backhaul
node device that acts as a first parent node to a child node, with
a second parent node to the child node, the resource usage
corresponding to a first coordinated configuration of the first
parent node and a second coordinated configuration of the second
parent node; Operation 1204 represents providing information
representing the first coordinated configuration and the second
coordinated configuration to the child node for use in scheduling
child node communications with the first parent node and the second
parent node.
[0068] Following coordinating the resource usage and providing the
information representing the first coordinated configuration and
the second coordinated configuration to the child node, another
cycle of the coordinating and the providing can begin.
[0069] Coordinating the resource usage and providing the
information representing the first coordinated configuration and
the second coordinated configuration to the child node can be
performed on a per slot basis.
[0070] Coordinating the resource usage and providing the
information representing the first coordinated configuration and
the second coordinated configuration to the child node can be
performed for a plurality of slots.
[0071] Coordinating the resource usage and providing the
information representing the first coordinated configuration and
the second coordinated configuration to the child node can be
performed and used alternately with semi-static frame structure
coordination.
[0072] As can be seen, the technology supports flexible
multiplexing of access and backhaul traffic across multiple hops of
a wireless backhaul network with multiple parent links The
technology facilitates efficient utilization of radio resources by
enabling dynamic adaptation of available DL/UL resources for access
and backhaul links between an IAB node and donor/parent IAB nodes
based on the different multiplexing capabilities at a given IAB
node. The technology allows parent nodes to dynamically coordinate
resources instead of semi-statically coordinating resources, and
allows flexible patterns of DL/UL resources and multiplexing
operations to be coordinated across multiple parent backhaul links
including semi-persistent resource allocation.
[0073] Turning to aspects in general, a wireless communication
system can employ various cellular systems, technologies, and
modulation schemes to facilitate wireless radio communications
between devices (e.g., a UE and the network equipment). While
example embodiments might be described for 5G new radio (NR)
systems, the embodiments can be applicable to any radio access
technology (RAT) or multi-RAT system where the UE operates using
multiple carriers e.g. LTE FDD/TDD, GSM/GERAN, CDMA2000 etc. For
example, the system can operate in accordance with global system
for mobile communications (GSM), universal mobile
telecommunications service (UMTS), long term evolution (LTE), LTE
frequency division duplexing (LTE FDD, LTE time division duplexing
(TDD), high speed packet access (HSPA), code division multiple
access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCMDA), CDMA2000, time division
multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA),
multi-carrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA),
single-carrier code division multiple access (SC-CDMA),
single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), orthogonal frequency division
multiplexing (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM
(DFT-spread OFDM) single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), Filter bank based
multi-carrier (FBMC), zero tail DFT-spread-OFDM (ZT DFT-s-OFDM),
generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM), fixed mobile
convergence (FMC), universal fixed mobile convergence (UFMC),
unique word OFDM (UW-OFDM), unique word DFT-spread OFDM (UW
DFT-Spread-OFDM), cyclic prefix OFDM CP-OFDM,
resource-block-filtered OFDM, Wi Fi, WLAN, WiMax, and the like.
However, various features and functionalities of system are
particularly described wherein the devices (e.g., the UEs and the
network equipment) of the system are configured to communicate
wireless signals using one or more multi carrier modulation
schemes, wherein data symbols can be transmitted simultaneously
over multiple frequency subcarriers (e.g., OFDM, CP-OFDM,
DFT-spread OFDM, UFMC, FMBC, etc.). The embodiments are applicable
to single carrier as well as to multicarrier (MC) or carrier
aggregation (CA) operation of the UE. The term carrier aggregation
(CA) is also called (e.g. interchangeably called) "multi-carrier
system", "multi-cell operation", "multi-carrier operation",
"multi-carrier" transmission and/or reception. Note that some
embodiments are also applicable for Multi RAB (radio bearers) on
some carriers (that is data plus speech is simultaneously
scheduled).
[0074] In various embodiments, the system can be configured to
provide and employ 5G wireless networking features and
functionalities. With 5G networks that may use waveforms that split
the bandwidth into several sub-bands, different types of services
can be accommodated in different sub-bands with the most suitable
waveform and numerology, leading to improved spectrum utilization
for 5G networks. Notwithstanding, in the mmWave spectrum, the
millimeter waves have shorter wavelengths relative to other
communications waves, whereby mmWave signals can experience severe
path loss, penetration loss, and fading. However, the shorter
wavelength at mmWave frequencies also allows more antennas to be
packed in the same physical dimension, which allows for large-scale
spatial multiplexing and highly directional beamforming.
[0075] Performance can be improved if both the transmitter and the
receiver are equipped with multiple antennas. Multi-antenna
techniques can significantly increase the data rates and
reliability of a wireless communication system. The use of multiple
input multiple output (MIMO) techniques, which was introduced in
the third-generation partnership project (3GPP) and has been in use
(including with LTE), is a multi-antenna technique that can improve
the spectral efficiency of transmissions, thereby significantly
boosting the overall data carrying capacity of wireless systems.
The use of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques can
improve mmWave communications; MIMO can be used for achieving
diversity gain, spatial multiplexing gain and beamforming gain.
[0076] Note that using multi-antennas does not always mean that
MIMO is being used. For example, a configuration can have two
downlink antennas, and these two antennas can be used in various
ways. In addition to using the antennas in a 2.times.2 MIMO scheme,
the two antennas can also be used in a diversity configuration
rather than MIMO configuration. Even with multiple antennas, a
particular scheme might only use one of the antennas (e.g., LTE
specification's transmission mode 1, which uses a single
transmission antenna and a single receive antenna). Or, only one
antenna can be used, with various different multiplexing, precoding
methods etc.
[0077] The MIMO technique uses a commonly known notation
(M.times.N) to represent MIMO configuration in terms number of
transmit (M) and receive antennas (N) on one end of the
transmission system. The common MIMO configurations used for
various technologies are: (2.times.1), (1.times.2), (2.times.2),
(4.times.2), (8.times.2) and (2.times.4), (4.times.4), (8.times.4).
The configurations represented by (2.times.1) and (1.times.2) are
special cases of MIMO known as transmit diversity (or spatial
diversity) and receive diversity. In addition to transmit diversity
(or spatial diversity) and receive diversity, other techniques such
as spatial multiplexing (comprising both open-loop and
closed-loop), beamforming, and codebook-based precoding can also be
used to address issues such as efficiency, interference, and
range.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 13, illustrated is a schematic block
diagram of an example end-user device such as a user equipment)
that can be a mobile device 1300 capable of connecting to a network
in accordance with some embodiments described herein. Although a
mobile handset 1300 is illustrated herein, it will be understood
that other devices can be a mobile device, and that the mobile
handset 1300 is merely illustrated to provide context for the
embodiments of the various embodiments described herein. The
following discussion is intended to provide a brief, general
description of an example of a suitable environment 1300 in which
the various embodiments can be implemented. While the description
includes a general context of computer-executable instructions
embodied on a machine-readable storage medium, those skilled in the
art will recognize that the various embodiments also can be
implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a
combination of hardware and software.
[0079] Generally, applications (e.g., program modules) can include
routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform
particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods
described herein can be practiced with other system configurations,
including single-processor or multiprocessor systems,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers,
hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable
consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be
operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.
[0080] A computing device can typically include a variety of
machine-readable media. Machine-readable media can be any available
media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both
volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.
By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media can
include computer storage media and communication media. Computer
storage media can include volatile and/or non-volatile media,
removable and/or non-removable media implemented in any method or
technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.
Computer storage media can include, but is not limited to, RAM,
ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD ROM,
digital video disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic
cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the
desired information and which can be accessed by the computer.
[0081] Communication media typically embodies computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a
modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term
"modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its
characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode
information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,
communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or
direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,
infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the
above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0082] The handset 1300 includes a processor 1302 for controlling
and processing all onboard operations and functions. A memory 1304
interfaces to the processor 1302 for storage of data and one or
more applications 1306 (e.g., a video player software, user
feedback component software, etc.). Other applications can include
voice recognition of predetermined voice commands that facilitate
initiation of the user feedback signals. The applications 1306 can
be stored in the memory 1304 and/or in a firmware 1308, and
executed by the processor 1302 from either or both the memory 1304
or/and the firmware 1308. The firmware 1308 can also store startup
code for execution in initializing the handset 1300. A
communications component 1310 interfaces to the processor 1302 to
facilitate wired/wireless communication with external systems,
e.g., cellular networks, VoIP networks, and so on. Here, the
communications component 1310 can also include a suitable cellular
transceiver 1311 (e.g., a GSM transceiver) and/or an unlicensed
transceiver 1313 (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax) for corresponding signal
communications. The handset 1300 can be a device such as a cellular
telephone, a PDA with mobile communications capabilities, and
messaging-centric devices. The communications component 1310 also
facilitates communications reception from terrestrial radio
networks (e.g., broadcast), digital satellite radio networks, and
Internet-based radio services networks.
[0083] The handset 1300 includes a display 1312 for displaying
text, images, video, telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID
function), setup functions, and for user input. For example, the
display 1312 can also be referred to as a "screen" that can
accommodate the presentation of multimedia content (e.g., music
metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics, etc.). The display 1312
can also display videos and can facilitate the generation, editing
and sharing of video quotes. A serial I/O interface 1314 is
provided in communication with the processor 1302 to facilitate
wired and/or wireless serial communications (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE
1394) through a hardwire connection, and other serial input devices
(e.g., a keyboard, keypad, and mouse). This supports updating and
troubleshooting the handset 1300, for example. Audio capabilities
are provided with an audio I/O component 1316, which can include a
speaker for the output of audio signals related to, for example,
indication that the user pressed the proper key or key combination
to initiate the user feedback signal. The audio I/O component 1316
also facilitates the input of audio signals through a microphone to
record data and/or telephony voice data, and for inputting voice
signals for telephone conversations.
[0084] The handset 1300 can include a slot interface 1318 for
accommodating a SIC (Subscriber Identity Component) in the form
factor of a card Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or universal SIM
1320, and interfacing the SIM card 1320 with the processor 1302.
However, it is to be appreciated that the SIM card 1320 can be
manufactured into the handset 1300, and updated by downloading data
and software.
[0085] The handset 1300 can process IP data traffic through the
communication component 1310 to accommodate IP traffic from an IP
network such as, for example, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a
home network, a person area network, etc., through an ISP or
broadband cable provider. Thus, VoIP traffic can be utilized by the
handset 800 and IP-based multimedia content can be received in
either an encoded or decoded format.
[0086] A video processing component 1322 (e.g., a camera) can be
provided for decoding encoded multimedia content. The video
processing component 1322 can aid in facilitating the generation,
editing and sharing of video quotes. The handset 1300 also includes
a power source 1324 in the form of batteries and/or an AC power
subsystem, which power source 1324 can interface to an external
power system or charging equipment (not shown) by a power I/O
component 1326.
[0087] The handset 1300 can also include a video component 1330 for
processing video content received and, for recording and
transmitting video content. For example, the video component 1330
can facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of video quotes.
A location tracking component 1332 facilitates geographically
locating the handset 1300. As described hereinabove, this can occur
when the user initiates the feedback signal automatically or
manually. A user input component 1334 facilitates the user
initiating the quality feedback signal. The user input component
1334 can also facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of
video quotes. The user input component 1334 can include such
conventional input device technologies such as a keypad, keyboard,
mouse, stylus pen, and/or touch screen, for example.
[0088] Referring again to the applications 1306, a hysteresis
component 1336 facilitates the analysis and processing of
hysteresis data, which is utilized to determine when to associate
with the access point. A software trigger component 1338 can be
provided that facilitates triggering of the hysteresis component
1338 when the Wi-Fi transceiver 1313 detects the beacon of the
access point. A SIP client 1340 enables the handset 1300 to support
SIP protocols and register the subscriber with the SIP registrar
server. The applications 1306 can also include a client 1342 that
provides at least the capability of discovery, play and store of
multimedia content, for example, music.
[0089] The handset 1300, as indicated above related to the
communications component 810, includes an indoor network radio
transceiver 1313 (e.g., Wi-Fi transceiver). This function supports
the indoor radio link, such as IEEE 802.11, for the dual-mode GSM
handset 1300. The handset 1300 can accommodate at least satellite
radio services through a handset that can combine wireless voice
and digital radio chipsets into a single handheld device.
[0090] In order to provide additional context for various
embodiments described herein, FIG. 14 and the following discussion
are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable
computing environment 1400 in which the various embodiments of the
embodiment described herein can be implemented. While the
embodiments have been described above in the general context of
computer-executable instructions that can run on one or more
computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
embodiments can be also implemented in combination with other
program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and
software.
[0091] Generally, program modules include routines, programs,
components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the various methods can be
practiced with other computer system configurations, including
single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, distributed
computing systems, as well as personal computers, hand-held
computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer
electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled
to one or more associated devices.
[0092] The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be
also practiced in distributed computing environments where certain
tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked
through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote memory storage devices.
[0093] Computing devices typically include a variety of media,
which can include computer-readable storage media, machine-readable
storage media, and/or communications media, which two terms are
used herein differently from one another as follows.
Computer-readable storage media or machine-readable storage media
can be any available storage media that can be accessed by the
computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media,
removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not
limitation, computer-readable storage media or machine-readable
storage media can be implemented in connection with any method or
technology for storage of information such as computer-readable or
machine-readable instructions, program modules, structured data or
unstructured data.
[0094] Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not
limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash
memory or other memory technology, compact disk read only memory
(CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc (BD) or other
optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic
disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, solid state drives
or other solid state storage devices, or other tangible and/or
non-transitory media which can be used to store desired
information. In this regard, the terms "tangible" or
"non-transitory" herein as applied to storage, memory or
computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude only
propagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not
relinquish rights to all standard storage, memory or
computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory
signals per se.
[0095] Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or
more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests,
queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of
operations with respect to the information stored by the
medium.
[0096] Communications media typically embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured
or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data
signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and
includes any information delivery or transport media. The term
"modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one
or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as
to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example,
and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such
as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media
such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.
[0097] With reference again to FIG. 14, the example environment
1400 for implementing various embodiments of the aspects described
herein includes a computer 1402, the computer 1402 including a
processing unit 1404, a system memory 1406 and a system bus 1408.
The system bus 1408 couples system components including, but not
limited to, the system memory 1406 to the processing unit 1404. The
processing unit 1404 can be any of various commercially available
processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor
architectures can also be employed as the processing unit 1404.
[0098] The system bus 1408 can be any of several types of bus
structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or
without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus
using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 1406 includes ROM 1410 and RAM 1412. A basic
input/output system (BIOS) can be stored in a non-volatile memory
such as ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM),
EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to
transfer information between elements within the computer 1402,
such as during startup. The RAM 1412 can also include a high-speed
RAM such as static RAM for caching data.
[0099] The computer 1402 further includes an internal hard disk
drive (HDD) 1414 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), one or more external storage
devices 1416 (e.g., a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1416, a
memory stick or flash drive reader, a memory card reader, etc.) and
an optical disk drive 1420 (e.g., which can read or write from a
CD-ROM disc, a DVD, a BD, etc.). While the internal HDD 1414 is
illustrated as located within the computer 1402, the internal HDD
1414 can also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis
(not shown). Additionally, while not shown in environment 1400, a
solid state drive (SSD), non-volatile memory and other storage
technology could be used in addition to, or in place of, an HDD
1414, and can be internal or external. The HDD 1414, external
storage device(s) 1416 and optical disk drive 1420 can be connected
to the system bus 1408 by an HDD interface 1424, an external
storage interface 1426 and an optical drive interface 1428,
respectively. The interface 1424 for external drive implementations
can include at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394
interface technologies. Other external drive connection
technologies are within contemplation of the embodiments described
herein.
[0100] The drives and their associated computer-readable storage
media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer
1402, the drives and storage media accommodate the storage of any
data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of
computer-readable storage media above refers to respective types of
storage devices, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that other types of storage media which are readable by a
computer, whether presently existing or developed in the future,
could also be used in the example operating environment, and
further, that any such storage media can contain
computer-executable instructions for performing the methods
described herein.
[0101] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 1412, including an operating system 1430, one or more
application programs 1432, other program modules 1434 and program
data 1436. All or portions of the operating system, applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 1412. The
systems and methods described herein can be implemented utilizing
various commercially available operating systems or combinations of
operating systems.
[0102] Computer 1402 can optionally include emulation technologies.
For example, a hypervisor (not shown) or other intermediary can
emulate a hardware environment for operating system 1430, and the
emulated hardware can optionally be different from the hardware
illustrated in FIG. 14. In such an embodiment, operating system
1430 can include one virtual machine (VM) of multiple VMs hosted at
computer 1402. Furthermore, operating system 1430 can provide
runtime environments, such as the Java runtime environment or the
.NET framework, for applications 1432. Runtime environments are
consistent execution environments that allow applications 1432 to
run on any operating system that includes the runtime environment.
Similarly, operating system 1430 can support containers, and
applications 1432 can be in the form of containers, which are
lightweight, standalone, executable packages of software that
include, e.g., code, runtime, system tools, system libraries and
settings for an application.
[0103] Further, computer 1402 can be enabled with a security
module, such as a trusted processing module (TPM). For instance
with a TPM, boot components hash next in time boot components, and
wait for a match of results to secured values, before loading a
next boot component. This process can take place at any layer in
the code execution stack of computer 1402, e.g., applied at the
application execution level or at the operating system (OS) kernel
level, thereby enabling security at any level of code
execution.
[0104] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
1402 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a
keyboard 1438, a touch screen 1440, and a pointing device, such as
a mouse 1442. Other input devices (not shown) can include a
microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a radio frequency (RF)
remote control, or other remote control, a joystick, a virtual
reality controller and/or virtual reality headset, a game pad, a
stylus pen, an image input device, e.g., camera(s), a gesture
sensor input device, a vision movement sensor input device, an
emotion or facial detection device, a biometric input device, e.g.,
fingerprint or iris scanner, or the like. These and other input
devices are often connected to the processing unit 1404 through an
input device interface 1444 that can be coupled to the system bus
1408, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel
port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR
interface, a BLUETOOTH.RTM. interface, etc.
[0105] A monitor 1446 or other type of display device can be also
connected to the system bus 1408 via an interface, such as a video
adapter 1448. In addition to the monitor 1446, a computer typically
includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as
speakers, printers, etc.
[0106] The computer 1402 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications
to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1450.
The remote computer(s) 1450 can be a workstation, a server
computer, a router, a personal computer, portable computer,
microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or
other common network node, and typically includes many or all of
the elements described relative to the computer 1402, although, for
purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 1452 is
illustrated. The logical connections depicted include
wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1454
and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1456. Such
LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and
companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such
as intranets, all of which can connect to a global communications
network, e.g., the Internet.
[0107] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1402
can be connected to the local network 1454 through a wired and/or
wireless communication network interface or adapter 1458. The
adapter 1458 can facilitate wired or wireless communication to the
LAN 1454, which can also include a wireless access point (AP)
disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 1458 in a
wireless mode.
[0108] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1402
can include a modem 1460 or can be connected to a communications
server on the WAN 1456 via other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 1456, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 1460, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, can be connected to the system bus 1408 via the
input device interface 1444. In a networked environment, program
modules depicted relative to the computer 1402 or portions thereof,
can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 1452. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are example and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0109] When used in either a LAN or WAN networking environment, the
computer 1402 can access cloud storage systems or other
network-based storage systems in addition to, or in place of,
external storage devices 1416 as described above. Generally, a
connection between the computer 1402 and a cloud storage system can
be established over a LAN 1454 or WAN 1456 e.g., by the adapter
1458 or modem 1460, respectively. Upon connecting the computer 1402
to an associated cloud storage system, the external storage
interface 1426 can, with the aid of the adapter 1458 and/or modem
1460, manage storage provided by the cloud storage system as it
would other types of external storage. For instance, the external
storage interface 1426 can be configured to provide access to cloud
storage sources as if those sources were physically connected to
the computer 1402.
[0110] The computer 1402 can be operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable
computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any
piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly
detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, store shelf, etc.), and
telephone. This can include Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and
BLUETOOTH.RTM. wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can
be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply
an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.
[0111] The computer is operable to communicate with any wireless
devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,
e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer,
portable data assistant, communications satellite, any piece of
equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag
(e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and telephone. This includes
at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.TM. wireless technologies. Thus, the
communication can be a predefined structure as with a conventional
network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two
devices.
[0112] Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the
Internet from a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a
conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless
technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such
devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;
anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use
radio technologies called IEEE802.11 (a, b, g, n, etc.) to provide
secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can
be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to
wired networks (which use IEEE802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks
operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 8 GHz radio bands, at an 14 Mbps
(802.11b) or 84 Mbps (802.11a) data rate, for example, or with
products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can
provide real-world performance similar to the basic "10BaseT" wired
Ethernet networks used in many offices.
[0113] As it employed in the subject specification, the term
"processor" can refer to substantially any computing processing
unit or device comprising, but not limited to comprising,
single-core processors; single-processors with software multithread
execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors
with software multithread execution capability; multi-core
processors with hardware multithread technology; parallel
platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory.
Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal
processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a
programmable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic
device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete
hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform
the functions described herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale
architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular and
quantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to
optimize space usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A
processor also can be implemented as a combination of computing
processing units.
[0114] In the subject specification, terms such as "store," "data
store," "data storage," "database," "repository," "queue", and
substantially any other information storage component relevant to
operation and functionality of a component, refer to "memory
components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or components
comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the memory
components described herein can be either volatile memory or
nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile
memory. In addition, memory components or memory elements can be
removable or stationary. Moreover, memory can be internal or
external to a device or component, or removable or stationary.
Memory can include various types of media that are readable by a
computer, such as hard-disc drives, zip drives, magnetic cassettes,
flash memory cards or other types of memory cards, cartridges, or
the like.
[0115] By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile
memory can include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM),
electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM
(EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random
access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way of
illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms
such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous
DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM
(ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).
Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methods
herein are intended to include, without being limited, these and
any other suitable types of memory.
[0116] In particular and in regard to the various functions
performed by the above described components, devices, circuits,
systems and the like, the terms (including a reference to a
"means") used to describe such components are intended to
correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which
performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., a
functional equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to
the disclosed structure, which performs the function in the herein
illustrated example aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, it
will also be recognized that the embodiments include a system as
well as a computer-readable medium having computer-executable
instructions for performing the acts and/or events of the various
methods.
[0117] Computing devices typically include a variety of media,
which can include computer-readable storage media and/or
communications media, which two terms are used herein differently
from one another as follows. Computer-readable storage media can be
any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer
and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and
non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation,
computer-readable storage media can be implemented in connection
with any method or technology for storage of information such as
computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data,
or unstructured data.
[0118] Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not
limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash
memory or other memory technology, solid state drive (SSD) or other
solid-state storage technology, compact disk read only memory (CD
ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical
disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk
storage or other magnetic storage devices or other tangible and/or
non-transitory media which can be used to store desired
information.
[0119] In this regard, the terms "tangible" or "non-transitory"
herein as applied to storage, memory or computer-readable media,
are to be understood to exclude only propagating transitory signals
per se as modifiers and do not relinquish rights to all standard
storage, memory or computer-readable media that are not only
propagating transitory signals per se. Computer-readable storage
media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computing
devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or other data retrieval
protocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the
information stored by the medium.
[0120] On the other hand, communications media typically embody
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or
other structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as a
modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism, and includes any information delivery or transport
media. The term "modulated data signal" or signals refers to a
signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed
in such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals.
By way of example, and not limitation, communications media include
wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection,
and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other
wireless media
[0121] Further, terms like "user equipment," "user device," "mobile
device," "mobile," station," "access terminal," "terminal,"
"handset," and similar terminology, generally refer to a wireless
device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wireless communication
network or service to receive or convey data, control, voice,
video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-stream or
signaling-stream. The foregoing terms are utilized interchangeably
in the subject specification and related drawings. Likewise, the
terms "access point," "node B," "base station," "evolved Node B,"
"cell," "cell site," and the like, can be utilized interchangeably
in the subject application, and refer to a wireless network
component or appliance that serves and receives data, control,
voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-stream or
signaling-stream from a set of subscriber stations. Data and
signaling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows. It is
noted that in the subject specification and drawings, context or
explicit distinction provides differentiation with respect to
access points or base stations that serve and receive data from a
mobile device in an outdoor environment, and access points or base
stations that operate in a confined, primarily indoor environment
overlaid in an outdoor coverage area. Data and signaling streams
can be packetized or frame-based flows.
[0122] Furthermore, the terms "user," "subscriber," "customer,"
"consumer," and the like are employed interchangeably throughout
the subject specification, unless context warrants particular
distinction(s) among the terms. It should be appreciated that such
terms can refer to human entities, associated devices, or automated
components supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a
capacity to make inference based on complex mathematical
formalisms) which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition
and so forth. In addition, the terms "wireless network" and
"network" are used interchangeable in the subject application, when
context wherein the term is utilized warrants distinction for
clarity purposes such distinction is made explicit.
[0123] Moreover, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean
serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or
design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present
concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the
term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an
exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from
context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural
inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X
employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under
any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and
"an" as used in this application and the appended claims should
generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified
otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular
form.
[0124] In addition, while a particular feature may have been
disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such
feature may be combined with one or more other features of the
other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any
given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that
the terms "includes" and "including" and variants thereof are used
in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising."
[0125] The above descriptions of various embodiments of the subject
disclosure and corresponding figures and what is described in the
Abstract, are described herein for illustrative purposes, and are
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments
to the precise forms disclosed. It is to be understood that one of
ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other embodiments
having modifications, permutations, combinations, and additions can
be implemented for performing the same, similar, alternative, or
substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter, and are
therefore considered within the scope of this disclosure.
Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to
any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be
construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the claims
below.
* * * * *